A Symposium on the Philippine Governance Agenda Under Duterte

Organised by:Filipinos and FilAustralians in the University of Queensland

THIS EVENT IS INTIATED BY UNIVERISTY OF QUEENSLAND STUDENTS, INDEPENDENT OF ANY POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE PHILIPPINES. THIS EVENT IS NOT SPONSORED BY ANY EXTERNAL PARTIES.

Once again, the Philippines appears to be at a crossroads. The country recently elected its new leader – Rodrigo Duterte - who has promised change amidst the decades-old issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. A local executive for three decades, Duterte has vowed to introduce a federalist government and address transport problems in the country’s leading metropolitan region. He resumed the peace negotiations with the communist rebels and appointed individuals known for their progressive stance on mining, agrarian reform, and labour issues.

Yet, it is the government’s campaign against drugs that has caught international attention. Riding on the strength of his political capital and invoking his electoral platform to solve criminality and drug issues in six months, Duterte began his war on drugs immediately after assuming the Presidency. In less than two months, the state-sanctioned police operations have resulted in over 1000 deaths of suspected drug addicts and pushers. While national human rights groups, church leaders, and international organizations such as the United Nations have condemned his ‘war on drugs’ as violative of human rights, the President seems unperturbed.

How do we make sense of all these plans and issues? Is the Philippines ready to tackle massive impoverishment and inequality? Can Duterte deliver on his promise of a federal Philippines? Or is the country sliding into authoritarian rule? Is change really coming? If so, what kind of change can we expect from Duterte government? These are the questions that baffle us today. Join us as invited Filipino speakers share their views on these important issues.

Activity & Speakers

What is the Philippine Governance Agenda under President Rodrigo Duterte?
Speaker: Hon. Nina Cainglet
Minister and Consul General
Philippine Embassy, Australia

How do we read Duterte’s governance style from an ‘international relations’ lens?
Speaker: Mr. Alan Layug
PhD Student - The University of Queensland

How do we make sense of governance and the current burning issues: War on drugs and Marcos burial at Heroes’ Cemetery?
Speakers: Ms. Loreta Ann Rosales
Former Chairperson - Commission on Human Rights
and
Atty. Ibarra Guttierez
Human Rights Lawyer and former Legislator

OPEN FORUM

What can we do as members of the academe and international Filipino community? How can we contribute to deepening democracy under a Duterte-style presidency?
Speaker: Dr. Iderlina-Mateo Babiano
Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland

Closing Message: UQ Union

* The views expressed by the speakers of the event are theirs alone and does not necessarily reflect the views of FilOz-UQ and partner organizations.